Just back from two fabulous weeks in Rethymnon. I'd forgotten how stunningly beautiful Crete is in May. A photographers paradise. Sadly we missed the red arrows over Chania Harbour but we did see them en-route as they went over Rethymnon. T

Hi Dave,

I visited Elounda for the day last September and I thought it was lovely. Even that late in the season it was very very busy with ferry trips to Spinalonga etc. There is a taverna which sits in the water in the harbour. I'm sorry I can't remember the name of it but we use it for our wedding receptions as it's such a great location.

Plaka, just up the coast was lovely too. Quiet and relaxed. I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

I would recommend that you use Sissi as a base Summersun, and visit as many parts of the island as the public transport system allows you to. The pizza restaurants are okay, I never found any of the Tavernas particularly inspiring but I can remember spending a very pleasant evening with a certain webmaster at one of the fish restaurants that up on the hill above the little harbour.

Good luck!

Hi Ros,
Thanks for the info about the public transport. Always worth knowing.

I have no wish to offend anyone, but I would avoid all the areas previously mentioned if you are looking for 'a nice fairly quiet, with a nice beach nearby, not overcrowded with kids or 18-30 type holiday makers, not clubbing or pubs. Want a relaxing holiday and to be able to explore the sights'.

The stretch of coast East of Heraklion would not be my choice, given your requirements. I spent six days in Sissi in 2005 and again in September last year. It was out of necessity, rather than choice. I don't honestly think it has much to endear itself as a holiday destination for two weeks. If you are flying to Heraklion, I would go West to the resort of Agia Pelagia or somewhere in that area. My own personal favourite is Rethymnon, about two hour's drive from Heraklion as I think it has something for everybody, and really good transport links all over the Island.

However, I hope you have a wonderful holiday, wherever you decide to stay.

I'm happy to say that I am busier than ever. I guess people are looking for more cost-effective alternatives to getting married in the UK. Wherever we can we support small hotels and independant Cretan-owned businesses so we do what we can to support them. So far many of my clients are like-minded people so it gives me good feeling to know we are doing our bit, even if in the great scheme of things it is but a drop in the ocean.

A very good friend of mine has a small house in a village just outside Makrialos. She has wonderful taste as is looking for a decent furniture shop to make her Cretan house into a home from home. She doesn't want anything heavy or dark, and I think she wants something a little more rustic than Ikea style furniture. Does anyone have any suggestions about shops that might sell what she is looking for please?

Hi Lucy,

I've sent you a private message as this thread seems to losing it's way a bit. Please drop me a line, I'd love to speak to you and hear all about your plans.

Why do you want to go hunting? Can't see the attraction in it myself. Wildlife should be preserved not shot.

Thanks Retired in Crete - Thankfully nobody has requested guns. However, the car horns really add to the excitement for our couples when making their way to and from their wedding venue. The response to the sight of a wedding car in Crete is fantastic. The local people have been brilliant, waving and cheering our couples through the streets. It really does make them feel very special.

That sounds interesting Dave. I've never heard of it myself but it sounds good.

Yes, I have thought of introducing some of the more traditional Cretan Wedding details into our weddings for next year. I've not had a request for horses yet, but we would certainly be happy to arrange it for any bride and groom who like the idea.

Thank you for your suggestions Aurelia.

Thank you very much ladies for all the advice and information, which I will certainly follow up. I am happy to say, my bride plans to get married in the hight of the Summer next year so I am sure the weather will be perfect. We are looking to create a very special wedding for our couple and this will be the first time we have arranged such an event on the South Coast. I am really looking forward to putting it all together for them. However, this will be a team effort and I am very grateful for any input and ideas from members who know the region well. I'm going to be in Crete in September and I will be popping down there have a really good look around, particulary for picturesque backdrops for the wedding photographs, which I will be doing myself!

Hi Julie,

Many thanks for your reply. I think it was one of the resturant owners in Loutro who suggested this to my bride when she was over there last week. She and her husband to be were very impressed with Loutro bacause there were no noisy cars etc. I really appreciate you getting back to me and will pass on your recommendations. Many thanks again.

I would be very grateful if a member of Explore Crete living on the South Coast of the island would do me a really big favour.

If there is anyone living in Sfakia or visiting the village, would it be possible for you to take a picture of the Mayor's Office for me. If you have any knowledge of contact details for the Mayors Office there too, that would be fantastic.

I would also like to know please, which is the best taverna in Loutro, in your opinions. I have bride who would like to get married on the South Coast here and, although I have visited the area myself, it's not a part of the Island that I know really well.

Many thanks
Caroline

We went to see the film whilst we were in Skiathos. It is such a feel good movie. Wonderful scenery and although the storyline is a bit cheesy in places, if you like Abba's music, and you have a sense of humour you will love it. Mostly filmed in Skopelos, some of the early scenes were filmed in the harbour of Skiathos town and the mulit-national audience were picking out places they recognised. I went to see it whilst we were there because we would have beed daft not to, and because I wanted my husband to experience watching a film in an open-air cinema, where you can have a picnic and a bottle of wine whilst you watch the film. Very civilised.

Thanks Bill. In 2004 I met a British War Veteran who had fought in WW2 in the Battle of Crete. He was a great old guy. When he was there he visited many of the war memorials, battle fields and the war cemetries. He has sadly passed away himself now, but I bet he was glad he made the trip.

My other half is really into the WWII history of Crete too. We have a few DVD's including the fabulous Ill Met By Moonlight. It's a great film and has a great feel good factor, despite the story line. I sat there watching it thinking 'Look at those mountains. Doesn't Crete look beautiful'. You can imagine my disappointment when I found out it was made in the South of France

I'll be in Crete for two weeks from 9th September!